A database is the most important component of many modern applications. Therefore, it is no surprise that we have two chapters where I will cover most of the important key points and best practices for using Azure SQL Database.

Azure SQL Database is a relational database as a service, which means it follows the Platform as a Service (PaaS) cloud service model, where you do not have to manage the underlying infrastructure, including networks, storage, servers, the virtualization layer, the operating system, middleware, or runtime. You only have to manage your databases and do not even have to think about patching and updating your servers.